Bringing the Councils together

[ZChi4Life]

Originally Posted by 12dn94dst

I think the perception of the campus climate definitely factors into why councils do or do not collaborate. Also, if the individual chapters within a campus NPHC or MCGC don't work together, I think it's a bit of a stretch to then expect them to work with NPC and IFC groups. Other points that were mentioned, condescending attitude, shallow invitations, non-inclusion in the planning, contribute as well.

I disagree with greek unity for unity's sake. Really, unity needs to be fostered BEFORE everyone is greek. So for NPC and IFC members who are able to pledge as first-semester freshman, that means fostering relationships not only with the NPHC and MCGC groups, but also with the Black Student Union/Association, NAACP, NCNW, Asian American Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, and whatever other groups on campus that are "feeder" groups for NPHC and MCGC organizations. AND VICE VERSA. NPHC groups are not exempt from partnering with non-minority focused groups. Additionally, really understanding how the other groups operate, and respecting it, helps as well.

Hey Kels
Yea I see what you're saying. You make really good points. I understand about not wanting to have greek unity for unity's sake. I mean, I would hope that if councils DO work together, it's b/c they see it as an opportunity to really get to know one another and each other's organizations.

The only thing that I'm not too sure about was this:

Really, unity needs to be fostered BEFORE everyone is greek. So for NPC and IFC members who are able to pledge as first-semester freshman, that means fostering relationships not only with the NPHC and MCGC groups, but also with the Black Student Union/Association, NAACP, NCNW, Asian American Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, and whatever other groups on campus that are "feeder" groups for NPHC and MCGC organizations.

Not that I don't agree w/ this, but I think that unity can be tough to achieve beforehand. Just from what I've been learning in my higher ed courses (student development theory, to be exact) college freshmen (and even sophomores),go through big time developmental issues. Many first and second year students are not in the mindset of seeking relationships outside of their "comfort zone" (whatever that zone may be). But this is all based on so many factors (i.e. type of h.s. they attended, type of family they are from, other environmental influences). I can only speak from my undergrad experience and say that during my freshmen and even sophomore years, you did not see the Black Student Union collaborating w/ the Indian Student Association. There were many groups on campus that just did not work together. Is that good? Umm, in my opinion, not really. But everyone wants to be in their comfort zone, which meant being around folks that usually looked like them. I'm sure many of us have seen or heard about this.

Anyway, I think that being greek is a unique experience and I don't see anything wrong w/ using that as a means to attempt to do things together (provided that there are good intentions about doing so). I think that even though all the councils are different in a lot of ways, there are definitely similarities. Of course, one of the biggest similarities is that we go through some type of process to become lifetime members of our respective org. I think many greeks can relate to that aspect on some level, as well as the fact that many of us understand what it means to uphold the rituals, traditions and histories of our orgs. So in that respect, doing things together b/c we are greek makes a lot of sense to me (call me crazy, but I just think that it does)

Also, from my experience in working in a greek office last year, it would pain me to hear my students (NPHC and MGC) talk about how IFC & NPC orgs would not even realize there were "other" greeks on campus. From their experiences, they got the sense that IFC and NPC orgs didn't even recognize them as being "real" greek orgs. Now that was really sad to me and that's another reason why I feel like councils should try to at least get to know each other better.

[tld221]

Originally Posted by ZChi4Life

Hey Kels
Yea I see what you're saying. You make really good points. I understand about not wanting to have greek unity for unity's sake. I mean, I would hope that if councils DO work together, it's b/c they see it as an opportunity to really get to know one another and each other's organizations.

The only thing that I'm not too sure about was this:


Not that I don't agree w/ this, but I think that unity can be tough to achieve beforehand. Just from what I've been learning in my higher ed courses (student development theory, to be exact) college freshmen (and even sophomores),go through big time developmental issues. Many first and second year students are not in the mindset of seeking relationships outside of their "comfort zone" (whatever that zone may be). But this is all based on so many factors (i.e. type of h.s. they attended, type of family they are from, other environmental influences). I can only speak from my undergrad experience and say that during my freshmen and even sophomore years, you did not see the Black Student Union collaborating w/ the Indian Student Association. There were many groups on campus that just did not work together. Is that good? Umm, in my opinion, not really. But everyone wants to be in their comfort zone, which meant being around folks that usually looked like them. I'm sure many of us have seen or heard about this.
Anyway, I think that being greek is a unique experience and I don't see anything wrong w/ using that as a means to attempt to do things together (provided that there are good intentions about doing so). I think that even though all the councils are different in a lot of ways, there are definitely similarities. Of course, one of the biggest similarities is that we go through some type of process to become lifetime members of our respective org. I think many greeks can relate to that aspect on some level, as well as the fact that many of us understand what it means to uphold the rituals, traditions and histories of our orgs. So in that respect, doing things together b/c we are greek makes a lot of sense to me (call me crazy, but I just think that it does)

Also, from my experience in working in a greek office last year, it would pain me to hear my students (NPHC and MGC) talk about how IFC & NPC orgs would not even realize there were "other" greeks on campus. From their experiences, they got the sense that IFC and NPC orgs didn't even recognize them as being "real" greek orgs. Now that was really sad to me and that's another reason why I feel like councils should try to at least get to know each other better.

not only have some of us seen and heard, but clearly llive it in our everyday lives. you are right, everyone wants to be in their comfort zone - but that's why its comfortable.

some people (mind you i didnt say organizations) are totally fine with not stepping outside theirs all 4 years of college. so it seems only reasonable (but not right, in my mind) that Sally Sororitychick and her org never even considered collaborating with another org, in particular in another council. we (the collective greek "we") pledge our organizations and chapters, not anyone else's i'm just wondering if interested members/PNMs ever consider the aspect of associating with other greeks, within their council or not.

which brings me to another point, and maybe someone who's experienced firsthand, since i didnt go to a school with a traditional greek scene, or with more than one active council - outside of the traditional campus greek events (i dont know them firsthand, but from reading GC, i think there's a Greek Week competition, and a Derby Days, and im sure some other stuff) where MANY of the greek orgs will collaborate, in a given school year, how often does your org collaborate with other orgs within your OWN council?

[12dn94dst]

Originally Posted by ZChi4Life

Anyway, I think that being greek is a unique experience and I don't see anything wrong w/ using that as a means to attempt to do things together (provided that there are good intentions about doing so).

Hey Tray.

I don't necessarily see anything wrong with it when you look at it from the point of having similar programs, goals, etc. Why not pool resources? I was speaking to the point of "forcing" something that wasn't there. Coming from the view of a member of an organization whose applicants have to have sophomore standing to be considered and from a person who is cynical anyway, I'd be wary of someone coming to me from another council, who I had no prior relationship with (or in another case, if they had class with me but never parted their lips to say hi), wanting to do something "just because" i'm now greek too. but that's just me.

Originally Posted by ZChi4Life

Also, from my experience in working in a greek office last year, it would pain me to hear my students (NPHC and MGC) talk about how IFC & NPC orgs would not even realize there were "other" greeks on campus. From their experiences, they got the sense that IFC and NPC orgs didn't even recognize them as being "real" greek orgs. Now that was really sad to me and that's another reason why I feel like councils should try to at least get to know each other better.

Yes, that is sad, particularly on a majority campus where multiple councils are more likely to exist. If no one ever teaches "chi upsilon zeta is great, but we don't exist on this campus alone. here are the names and chapters of other orgs here and their philanthropy is...," then that's part of what can be expected. that, too, is about comfort level as well.